Cheese

Looks like the French are on to something with that postmeal fromage course. Cheese contains calcium, which strengthens teeth as well as the jaw. And its waxy texture helps brush away food particles, Dr. Chase says.

Green Tea

This beverage is packed with polyphenol antioxidants that fight plaque-forming free radicals and help prevent gum disease. Brew your tea with plain old tap water, which is fortified with fluoride, and drink it after meals because antioxidants curb bad breath, too.

Mushrooms

The most common natural source of vitamin D in the produce section, these fungi help you absorb tooth-strengthening calcium. Also, research suggests that a component in shiitake mushrooms may help prevent cavities by lowering plaque buildup, says Jackie Newgent, R.D., author of Big Green Cookbook.

Pistachios

Like most nuts, pistachios have huge amounts of magnesium, which increases the absorption of calcium; they also have beta-carotene, which may lessen gum inflammation, the main cause of periodontal disease.